JP2001117708A - Electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic equipment capable of easily executing operation for the selection/display processing of set items. SOLUTION: The electronic equipment is provided with a display means 2 for displaying plural set items, a key input means 3 for specifying a menu function for selecting/displaying the set items, a control means 1 for automatically switching and displaying plural set items on the display means 2 in order at each prescribed time by an instruction based on the operation of the means 3, and a determination means 32 for determining a required set item.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to electronic equipment such as audio equipment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional electronic device, there is known an audio device having a plurality of functions, a menu function for selecting and displaying setting items relating to each function, and setting the contents. In such a menu function, each time a menu key of the key input section is pressed, setting items relating to each function are sequentially switched and displayed on the display section. Therefore, when you want to set the contents of a specific setting item, press the menu key several times to select and display the specific setting item, and then press the set key in the key input section to set the specific setting item. Is going.

For example, in a conventional audio device, when one of four setting items, ie, a clock setting, a power-on timer time setting, a balance setting, and a tone control setting is selectively displayed, the following is set. Operation is required.

That is, when the menu key is pressed, setting items such as clock setting, power-on timer time setting, balance setting and tone control setting are cyclically displayed on the display unit in this order. Then, when the screen of the desired setting item is displayed, the mode of the selected setting item is set by pressing the set key, and the setting of the content of the setting item becomes possible.

The setting items are not limited to the four items described above. For example, the setting of the running direction (right and left) of the cassette tape, the combination of dubbing from a reproducing medium such as CD → MD or CD → TAPE to a recording medium. Settings, an auto-off timer (a function for automatically turning off the power of the audio device when the unused time of the audio device exceeds the timer setting time, for example, 30 minutes), and the like are also included.

[0006]

However, the operation of sequentially switching the setting items may be very troublesome for the user. In particular, in the case of recent multifunction electronic devices, there are many setting items, and if the setting items whose contents you want to set are sequentially behind, the menu key is pressed several times until the desired setting item is displayed. There is a problem that must be pressed. Furthermore, if the key operation is mistakenly performed and the target setting item is passed, the menu key must be pressed again until the target setting item is displayed, which is very troublesome in operation.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that facilitates an operation in a setting item selection display process.

[0008]

In view of the above-mentioned object,
The electronic device of the present invention includes a display unit for displaying a plurality of setting items, a key input unit for instructing a menu function for selecting and displaying the setting items, and a plurality of setting items for the display unit based on an instruction by operating the key input unit. There are provided control means for controlling the items to be automatically switched and displayed in order at predetermined time intervals, and determining means for determining a desired setting item from among a plurality of setting items. Thereby, a plurality of setting items are automatically switched and displayed by one key operation, so that operability is improved.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in addition to the electronic apparatus of the above-described aspect, an alarm sound generating means for generating an alarm sound before the automatic switching display under the control of the control means is further provided. Thereby, the switching time of the setting item is audibly notified to the user, and the target setting item is not overlooked.

In another aspect of the invention, in addition to the electronic device of the invention, the control means controls the display means to blink for a predetermined time before the automatic switching display. This allows the user to be visually informed of the switching time of the setting item, so that the target setting item is not overlooked.

According to another aspect of the invention, in addition to the electronic device of the invention described above, the key input means includes a menu key and a set key, and the control means controls the display means based on an instruction by operating the menu key. The setting items are controlled so as to be automatically switched and displayed at predetermined time intervals, and the setting mode of the specific setting item is set based on an instruction by operating a set key while the specific setting item is displayed. As a result, the mode of the setting item can be set as desired by a single operation of the menu key and the set key.

According to another aspect of the invention, in addition to the electronic device of the above-described aspect, the key input means also serves as the determination means. Thus, the mode of the target setting item can be set by operating only the key input unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in addition to the electronic device of the above-mentioned invention, the control means controls the electronic device based on an instruction from the key input means.
Control is performed such that a plurality of setting items are automatically switched and displayed on the display means at different times in order. Thereby, it can be displayed for an appropriate time for each setting item according to the frequency of use.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in addition to the electronic device of the above-described aspect, the control means is configured to control the electronic apparatus based on an instruction from the key input means.
It is controlled to automatically switch and display in the opposite direction. Thereby, even when a desired setting item has passed, the setting can be quickly performed.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of an electronic device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an electronic apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, an electronic device is, for example, an audio device, and includes a system controller 1 including a microcomputer, a display unit 2, a key input unit 3, and an alarm sound generation unit 4. The key input unit 3 includes a menu key 31 and a set key 32.

The audio device has a plurality of functions including the above-described menu function, and includes components for executing each function. Here, only components relating to the menu function are shown, and other components are shown. The components related to the function are omitted.

In the menu function in the above-described configuration, when the menu key 31 of the key input unit 3 is pressed, the setting items relating to each function are sequentially set for a predetermined time (for example, every 3 seconds) under the control of the system controller 1. Are automatically switched and displayed on the display unit 2. Then, when the user presses the set key 32 while the target setting item is displayed on the display unit 2, the display enters a target setting item mode under the control of the system controller 1, and a display state in which the content can be set. Becomes

When each setting item displayed on the display unit 2 for a predetermined time is switched to the next setting item, the alarm sound generation unit 4 is controlled by the system controller 1 immediately before the switching.
A warning sound such as a beep is issued from the
Is blinking for a predetermined time (for example, one second). As a result, the user is notified audibly and visually that the setting item has just been switched. Therefore, if the set key 32 is pressed while the specific setting item is being selected and displayed, the setting mode of the specific setting item is set. Note that only the alarm sound may be emitted or only the blinking display may be performed.

FIGS. 2 to 5 are flowcharts showing an example of the above-described setting item selection display processing. In this example, a case will be described in which, for example, there are four setting items, namely, clock setting, power-on timer time setting, balance setting, and tone control setting.

First, the system controller 1 in the audio device determines whether the menu key has been pressed (turned on) (step S1). If the answer is no, the operation ends. On the other hand, if the answer is yes, the system controller 1 starts a built-in 2-second display timer (not shown) (step S2). Next, the system controller 1 determines whether or not the time of the 2-second display timer has expired (step S3).

If the answer to step S3 is NO, the first setting item is set under the control of the system controller 1.
Clock setting is selected, for example, "ADJUST CLO
CK? Is displayed on the display unit 2 (step S4). Next, the system controller 1 determines whether the set key 32 has been pressed (turned on) (step S4).
5). If the answer is no, the process returns to step S3. on the other hand,
If the answer is yes, the clock setting mode is set (step S6).

In the clock setting mode, the display unit 2 displays the contents for clock setting. This content is displayed, for example, "Please input the current time. 00:00:00", and the user can input the hour and minute using the ten keys (not shown) of the key input unit 3. Thus, the setting item selection operation ends.

On the other hand, if the answer to step S3 is yes,
The system controller 1 starts a built-in one-second blink timer (step S7). Next, under the control of the system controller 1, the clock setting selection display "ADJUST CLOCK?" Displayed on the display unit 2 flashes (step S8).

Next, under the control of the system controller 1, the alarm sound generation unit 4 is activated, and an alarm sound for calling attention to the user, for example, a beep sound is generated (step S9). Next, the system controller 1 determines whether the set key 32 has been pressed (turned on) (step S10). If the answer is yes, the process proceeds to step S6 to enter the clock setting mode.

On the other hand, if the answer to step S10 is no,
The system controller 1 determines whether or not the one-second blink timer has expired (step S11). If the answer is no, the process returns to step S10. If the answer is yes, the system controller 1 stops the beep sound of the alarm sound generation unit 4 and starts a built-in 2-second display timer (not shown) (step S1).
2). Next, the system controller 1 determines whether the 2-second display timer has timed out (step S1).
3).

If the answer to step S13 is NO, the power-on timer time setting is selected as the second setting item under the control of the system controller 1, and for example, "TIMER SET?" Is displayed on the display section 2 ( Step S14). Next, the system controller 1 determines whether or not the set key 32 has been pressed (turned on) (step S15). If the answer is no, step S
Returning to step 13, if yes, the power-on timer time setting mode is set (step S16).

In the power-on timer setting mode, the display section 2 displays the contents for setting the power-on timer. For example, enter "Power on time. Power on time; 00
"00:00" is displayed, and the desired time and minute to be turned on can be input by the user using the numeric keypad of the key input unit 3. This completes the setting item selection operation.

On the other hand, if the answer to step S13 is yes, the system controller 1 starts a built-in one-second blink timer (step S17). Next, under the control of the system controller 1, the selection display “TIMER” of the power-on timer time setting displayed on the display unit 2 is performed.
SET? "Blinks (step S18).

Next, under the control of the system controller 1, the alarm sound generating section 4 is activated, and an alarm sound for calling the user's attention, for example, a beep sound is generated (step S19). Next, the system controller 1 determines whether or not the set key 32 has been pressed (turned on) (step S20). If the answer is yes, the process proceeds to step S16 to enter the clock setting mode.

On the other hand, if the answer to step S20 is no,
The system controller 1 determines whether or not the one-second blink timer has expired (step S21). If the answer is no, the process returns to step S20. If the answer is yes, the system controller 1 stops the beep sound of the alarm sound generation unit 4 and starts a built-in 2-second display timer (not shown) (step S2).
2). Next, the system controller 1 determines whether the 2-second display timer has timed out (step S2).
3).

If the answer to step S23 is NO, the balance setting is selected as the third setting item under the control of the system controller 1, for example, "BALANC".
ESET? Is displayed on the display unit 2 (step S2
4). Next, the system controller 1 sets the set key 3
It is determined whether or not 2 has been pressed (turned on) (step S25). If the answer is no, the process returns to step S23. On the other hand, if the answer is yes, the balance setting mode is set (step S26).

When the balance setting mode is set, the display section 2 displays the content for balance setting. For example, a bar extending left and right from the center point is displayed, and the volume balance of the stereo output signal can be set by arbitrarily setting the lengths of the left and right bars from the center point. Thus, the setting item selection operation ends.

On the other hand, if the answer to step S23 is yes, the system controller 1 starts a built-in one-second blink timer (step S27). Next, under the control of the system controller 1, the balance setting selection display “BALANCE SET” displayed on the display unit 2 is displayed.
? "Flashes (step S28).

Next, under the control of the system controller 1, the alarm sound generation section 4 is activated, and an alarm sound for calling the user's attention, for example, a beep sound is generated (step S29). Next, the system controller 1 determines whether the set key 32 has been pressed (turned on) (step S30). If the answer is yes, the process proceeds to step S26 to enter the clock setting mode.

On the other hand, if the answer to step S30 is no,
The system controller 1 determines whether or not the one-second blink timer has expired (step S31). If the answer is no, the process returns to step S30. If the answer is yes, the system controller 1 stops the beep sound of the alarm sound generation unit 4 and starts a built-in 2-second display timer (not shown) (step S3).
2). Next, the system controller 1 determines whether or not the 2-second display timer has expired (step S3).
3).

If the answer to step S33 is NO, tone control setting is selected as the fourth setting item under the control of the system controller 1, for example, "T
ONE SET? Is displayed on the display unit 2 (step S34). Next, the system controller 1 determines whether or not the set key 32 has been pressed (turned on) (step S35). If step S33
Return to If the answer is yes, the tone control setting mode is set (step S36).

In the tone control setting mode,
The display unit 2 displays the contents for setting the tone control. For example, a treble or bass bar is displayed, and the degree of emphasis in the treble or bass range can be set by arbitrarily setting the length of the bar. This completes the setting item selection operation.

On the other hand, if the answer to step S33 is yes, the system controller 1 starts a built-in one-second blink timer (step S37). Next, under the control of the system controller 1, the selection display “TONE SE” of the tone control setting displayed on the display unit 2.
T? "Blinks (step S38).

Next, under the control of the NI, the system controller 1 activates the alarm sound generating section 4 and emits an alarm sound for calling a user's attention, for example, a beep sound (step S39). Next, the system controller 1 determines whether or not the set key 32 has been pressed (turned on) (step S40). If the answer is yes, the process proceeds to step S36 to enter the clock setting mode.

On the other hand, if the answer to step S40 is no,
The system controller 1 determines whether or not the one-second blink timer has expired (step S41). If the answer is no. Returning to step S40, if yes, the system controller 1 stops the generation of the beep sound of the alarm sound generation unit 4 (step S42). The process ends with the above flow.

In this manner, once the menu key is pressed, the setting items of the clock setting, the power-on timer time setting, the balance setting and the tone control setting are automatically cycled at predetermined time intervals in this order. The display is switched and displayed on the display unit 2. When each setting item displayed on the display unit 2 for a predetermined time is switched to the next setting item, the display on the display unit 2 blinks for a predetermined time (for example, one second) and an alarm sound is issued. A warning sound such as a beep sound is emitted from the generator 4. Therefore, by pressing the set key 32 while the screen of the desired setting item is displayed, the mode of the selected setting item is set, and the setting of the content of the setting item becomes possible.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described where the present invention is applied to an audio device. However, the present invention may be applied to other electronic devices such as a video device.

In the above-described embodiment, the menu key and the set key are used.
It may be implemented as a menu key also serving as a set key.

The automatic switching may be reversed by a button (not shown) of the key input unit 3 so that the setting can be immediately returned to the setting item once passed.

In the above-described embodiment, after each setting item is displayed for a predetermined time, the next setting item is switched and displayed. However, even if the length of the display time is adjusted according to the content of the setting item. good.

[0047]

According to the electronic apparatus of the present invention, at the time of selecting and displaying a setting item, each setting item is displayed for a certain period of time and then automatically switched to the next setting item for display. The user does not need to press the menu key several times until the desired setting item is displayed, and the operability is improved.

Further, since the warning sound is emitted before the switching, it is possible to prevent the erroneous operation in which the key operation is erroneously performed past the target setting item as in the related art.

Further, since the user is notified of the change of the setting item by both flashing display and alarm sound,
The risk that the user overlooks the desired setting item can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an electronic device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a part of a setting item selection display process in the block diagram of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a part of a selection item selection display process in the block diagram of FIG. 1, following FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a part of a setting item selection display process in the block diagram of FIG. 1, following FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a part of a setting item selection display process in the block diagram of FIG. 1, following FIG. 4;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 System controller (control means) 2 Display part (display means) 3 Key input part (key input means) 4 Alarm sound generation part (alarm sound generation means) 31 Menu key (part of key input means) 32 Set key (key Part of input means: determination means)

Claims (6)

[Claims] A display means for displaying a plurality of setting items;
Key input means for instructing a menu function for selecting and displaying the setting items, and automatically displaying the plurality of setting items on the display means in order at predetermined time intervals based on an instruction by operating the key input means. An electronic device comprising: a control unit for controlling a setting item; and a determining unit for determining a desired setting item from the plurality of setting items. 2. An alarm sound generating means for generating an alarm sound before the automatic switching display under the control of the control means,
The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: 3. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the display unit to blink for a predetermined time before the automatic switching display. 4. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein said key input device also functions as said determination device.
Electronic equipment according to the item. 5. The control means controls the display means so as to automatically switch and display the plurality of setting items in order at different times on the basis of an instruction from the key input means. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls to automatically switch and display in a reverse direction based on an instruction from the key input unit.